How to look like we're for real | by Carrie
One of the biggest ways that political campaigns can show strength is their fundraising. About half the times you've heard someone say, "I just don't think that guy can win," what they mean is, "That candidate isn't raising enough money to pay for a decent campaign." When you hear people talk trash about Chris Bell and whether he can win the governor's race, part of what they criticize is how far he tends to lag behind the more glamorous candidates in fundraising. That might seem petty, but you know what? Money is the lifeblood of a campaign. It pays for the office, the campaign manager, the TV and radio spots, the field staff who mobilize volunteers, bumper stickers, yard signs... It's not only what makes a campaign look professional and capable; it's what allows a campaign to hire the professionals who can pull out a win and pay to get the message out for a candidate who's not well-known.
The press, as well as the people who write big checks, judge fundraising ability on the basis of periodic reports that candidates are required to file with the Texas Ethics Commission. The next deadline is June 30 - coming up fast, y'all.
So. If you've got a soft spot for a great candidate, now's the time to show your support.
Here's who's getting some cash from me:
- Valinda Bolton, running for state rep in southwest Travis County
- Katy Hubener, running for state rep in the Dallas area
- David Van Os, our fabulous firebreathing candidate for state Attorney General
- Hank Gilbert, another great speaker, running for Ag Commissioner
- Glenn Melancon, an amazingly smart and well-spoken history professor running for Congress up in north Texas (this man is the closest thing to Jed Bartlet I've ever seen in real life)
- Chris Bell, our man for Gov, who just keeps getting better and better
- and, of course, my man Mark Strama, seeking re-election to his state rep seat in north Austin